Dahlia plant named &#39;hgd-161-7&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct cultivar of Dahlia plant named ‘HGD161-7’ characterized by its vigorous growth, shape of flowers, abundance of flowers, compact plants and fast response. The flowers have contrasting colors between ray and disc florets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety ofDahlia hybrida (DAHLIA variabilis) known by the varietal denomination‘HGD161-7’. The female parent of ‘HGD161-7’ is a selection from aproprietary breeding collection known as ‘DA-93’ and also the maleparent is a selection from a proprietary breeding collection known as‘DA-93’.

[0002] The new cultivar ‘HGD161-7’ is a product of a planned breedingprogram and was selected from the progeny of the stated cross made onSeptember, 1998 by the Inventor at HEM GENETICS, Hemmerbuurt 98, 1607 LCHem, the Netherlands. ‘HGD161-7’ was first asexually propagated on May,1, 1999 by the Inventor at HEM GENETICS, Hemmerbuurt 98, 1607 LC Hem,the Netherlands.

[0003] The new variety is a dahlia plant useful for growing outdoors andunder glass which produces attractive contrasting red and yellow-orangeflowers. Among the traits possessed by the new variety which incombination distinguish it from other varieties known to the inventorare its attractive flowers with contrasting flower colors, vigorousgrowth, compact plants and fast response/early flowering.

[0004] Asexual reproduction by cuttings of the new variety in theNetherlands has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics asdescribed herein for ‘HGD161-7’ are firmly fixed and are retainedthrough successive generations of asexual reproduction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] ‘HGD161-7’ is particularly characterized by the following:

[0006] 1. Compact growing plants;

[0007] 2. Fast flower responses;

[0008] 3. Vigorous growth;

[0009] 4. Abundance of flowers;

[0010] 5. Shape of the flowers; and

[0011] 6. Contrasting red/yellow-orange flower color.

[0012] Perhaps the closest comparison cultivar is ESTIVO. HGD161-7 ismore compact and has a different flower color than ESTIVO. ‘HGD161-7’has not been tested under all available environmental conditions and thephenotype may vary with variations in environmental conditions such astemperature, light intensity, day length and humidity, without a changein genotype of the plant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying color photographic drawings show typicalcharacteristics of ‘HGD161-7’. Sheet 1 is a top view of a plant. Sheet 2is a close up of a flower.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

[0014] The following observations, measurements and values describeplants grown under commercial conditions. All color references aremeasured against The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Colour Chart.Colors are approximate as color depends on horticultural practices suchas light level and treatment rate, among others, without however anyvariance in genotype.

[0015] Parentage:

[0016]Female parent.—DA-93, a selection from a proprietary breedingcollection.

[0017]Male parent.—DA-93, a selection from a proprietary breedingcollection.

[0018] Plant:

[0019]Form.—globose, erected.

[0020]Height.—35 cm. Depending on cultivation conditions.

[0021]Branching characteristics.—normal.

[0022]Natural flowering season.—early May until mid November in moderatesea climate conditions at the northern hemisphere.

[0023]Hardiness.—good.

[0024]Disease resistance.—no data available.

[0025]Flower stem.—Length: 10-15 cm. depending on cultivation conditionsColor: dark green RHS 144-A.

[0026]Foliage.—Quantity: normal Leaf Arrangement: in pairs Shape ofleaf: oval, medium serrated Internode: 60 mm. depending on cultivationconditions Texture: Leaf upper side: smooth Leaf underside: smooth withveins Color: Leaf upper side: dark green RHS 137-B Leaf underside: darkgreen RHS 137-B Venation: irregular, staggering Petiole length: 45 mm.depending on cultivation conditions Stipules: none Stem color: darkgreen RHS 144-A.

[0027]Sepals (1).—Number: 5 Length: 15 mm. depending on cultivationconditions Width: 7 mm. depending on cultivation conditions Color: darkgreen RHS 146-A.

[0028]Second sepals (2).—Shape: Oval Color: yellow-green RHS 151-A.

[0029] Bud:

[0030]Form.—rounded.

[0031]Size.—10 mm. depending on cultivation conditions.

[0032]Color of ray florets.—yellow-green RHS 151-A.

[0033] Flower:

[0034]Inflorescence form.—half double.

[0035]Bloom form.—rounded.

[0036]Bloom diameter.—6 cm. depending on cultivation conditions.

[0037]Lasting quality.—not relevant.

[0038]Ray Florets.—Inner ray florets (3): Upper surface: oval; 25 mm;RHS 46-A Outer ray florets attachment (4): Upper surface: oval; 15 mm;RHS 1-C.

[0039]Discflorets (5).—Length: 10 mm. depending on cultivationconditions Shape: rounded to elongated Color: Yellow-orange RHS 21-AFragrance: none Reproductive organs: Anthers: 2×5 mm. yellow-orange RHS21-B Pollen: yellow-orange RHS 21-A Pistils: yellow RHS 12-A Characterof ovaries: single seed, inferior.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Dahlia plant named‘HGD161-7’, as described and illustrated.